One Tank Trip for Tennessee Camping

Tennessee has long been the focal point for blues, bluegrass, and country-western music, but the state is also home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the US. Depending on your interest, Tennessee offers a wide variety of opportunities - from great food, music, outdoor recreation, to many cultural offerings. From the Great Smoky Mountains to the lush interior, this is one Southern state that has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Today we begin our one tank trip in the city of Chattanooga. Its location on the banks of the Tennessee River makes it the ideal place for boating, fishing, and a list of other water activities. Are you looking for a jaw-dropping thrill? You'll find it inside Lookout Mountain at Ruby Falls, the nations largest and deepest waterfall, located over 1120 feet beneath the surface. Dropping from a height of 145 ft., this underground waterfall is surrounded by ancient geological formations, and one you won't want to miss. Located atop Lookout Mountain, visitors will also discover Rock City; a marvel of nature featuring ancient rock structures, gardens, and over 400 species of plants. Visitors can also see a breathtaking panoramic view from its location, which is sure to be awe-inspiring. Heading out of Chattanooga on US-64 E, merge onto TN-153 S, and then onto I-75 N, and in less than an hour and a half, you should arrive at our next Tennessee RV camping stop, Sweetwater. A visit to this area wouldn't be complete without visiting the Lost Sea. The Lost Sea is a network of fascinating caverns, which are part of a historic cave system called the Craighead Caverns. The crowning jewel of this incredible place is America's largest underground lake. Breathtakingly beautiful, these caves have been used since the days when the Cherokee Nation roamed the land and several important artifacts have been found inside. Moving on, take I-75 N, continuing on I-40 E, exit on Winfield Dunn Pkwy to arrive at our next destination, Sevierville. Nestled at the base of the Smoky Mountains, Sevierville attracts more than it's fair share of visitors who come to visit the hometown of Country music legend Dolly Parton, but they are also drawn to the wealth of outdoor activities offered here. If you're looking to do some hiking, nearby Smoky Mountain National Park has over 800 miles of trails for you to wander around on. Other offerings include golf, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and swimming. Our next Tennessee RV camping destination is Pigeon Forge, just a short drive away. Taking the Dolly Parton Pkwy out of town, take a right at Veterans Rd, and you'll be there in minutes. This stunning city is home to Dollywood, a massive park that spans 125 acres. You'll soon realize there are more than enough shows, rides, and some of the best live entertainment in the world to keep you busy for hours! Travelers here might also be interested in the Old Mill. A national historic site more than 150 years old, it is one of the country's most photographed mills, and by far the most gorgeous. Tours are available so you can see how corn meal is made, and there is an on-site village, plenty of restaurants, and many shops filled with the works of local artisans. For our last one tank trip stop, take TN-71 S, and in just a few short minutes you'll be in the very scenic city of Gatlinburg. Known as one of the gateway cities due to its close proximity to the Smoky Mountain National Park, Gatlinburg is a breathtaking city that offers much in the way of recreation. The possibilities for outdoor fun are endless here! Would you like to see a black bear? This part of Tennessee is full of them, and the best and safest way to view them is at Ober Gatlinburg. Half amusement park and half ski resort, Ober Gatlinburg has several observation decks, perfect for viewing. If you can keep your eyes open on the ride up to Ober Gatlinburg on the lift, the view is spectacular, and nonstop fun once you get to the top! Tennessee is surprisingly beautiful, and has all of the grace and hospitality you'd expect from a great Southern state, and a wealth of culture and outdoor fun that any visitor is sure to appreciate. Back to One Tank Trips for 2011 Woodall's Recommended Tennessee RV Campgrounds